I need clarification on cache/, files/ and store/ folder permissions. I have two phpBB 3.1.11 versions, one with .htaccess files in the aforementioned 3 folders and one version (assuming later) without. I want to make sure I have them setup correctly now that I'm on Apache 2.4.25. The version with .htaccess files I believe has been updated from older versions. I noticed newer downloads don't have .htaccess files in those folders and the main/root .htaccess has "if Apache 2.4" statements. What would be the correct or best way to Deny access to these 3 folders with phpBB 3.1.11 on Linux with Apache 2.4.25?

Thank you!

6.ii. Webserver configuration
Depending on your web server, you may have to configure your server to deny web access to the cache/, files/, store/ and other directories. This is to prevent users from accessing sensitive files.

For Apache there are .htaccess files already in place to do this for you. Similarly, for Windows based servers using IIS there are web.config files already in place to do this for you. For other webservers, you will have to adjust the configuration yourself. Sample files for nginx and lighttpd to help you get started may be found in docs/ directory.

I noticed newer downloads don't have .htaccess files in those folders and the main/root .htaccess has "if Apache 2.4" statements. What would be the correct or best way to Deny access to these 3 folders with phpBB 3.1.11 on Linux with Apache 2.4.25?

You don't need to do anything as long there is the main/root/.htaccess file in place. As it is.

On a default installation those three folders should have both a .htaccess file and a index.htm file - if they are missing just copy them from one of the other folders.

Not have one, or both, of those files will not stop phpBB from running - they just add a level of security to prevent access to those folders.

DavidRemember: You only know what you know and - you don't know what you don't know!My CDB Contributions | How to install an extensionI will not be accepting translations for any of my extensions in Github - please post any translations in the appropriate topic.No support requests via PM or email as they will be ignored